illusions.

"personality is a dangerous illusion."

That line struck me today when I was sitting in the auditorium, watching the AY Drama 12 students take the stage with absurd, intriguing and brilliant theatre. The context of the line came from one of the absurd pieces where it was said by the priest (i think) where he is a representative of the church in the eyes of society, but within the play, he had hidden secrets, doing drugs and only putting out that proper image when in the light.

This bugs me a lot, when we as Christians, representatives are Christ are two-faced. Yes, i understand that we are not perfect, but its the worst when we know of it yet we choose to continue to still do it. By doing so, we smear the name of Christ. Christ was known as love, accepting, non-judgemental, and wise. He was known for much more than that, and we have to continue to live that out. We are called to be light of the world, and the way of Christ is not the ways of this world. By following him and living out a life glorifying Him, we will stand out, and if the people around you can't see that in you, there's a problem.

What bothers me the most is that when we misrepresent Christ, it can easily hinder those around you from coming to hear this great news. Seeing and thinking, "oh there's nothing special about them, they do exactly what we do", there's no reason for them to be interested why you live how you live. When representing Christ, we don't have to be all verbal, and voice everything out, i've learnt that actions speak equally if not louder.

We're not perfect, and I'm not saying I'm the perfect example and representative either, but as long as try, we understand, we learn and we execute, then God will be pleased. Let him use you as his instrument to fulfill his will and your purpose.

²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20

In The Beginning.

In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.

God sent his messenger, a man named John, who came to tell people about the light; he himself was not the light. He only came to tell about the light. This was the real light - the light that comes into the world and shines on all people.

The Word was in the world, and though God made the world through him, yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God's children. They  did not become God's children by natural means, that is, by being born as the children of a human father; God himself was their father.

represent!

In french class today, we started a new unit on Patriotism, and we had to write a poem describing a country. Many of the groups picked Canada, but other places such as the Philippines, South Africa were picked as well. When doing something like this, usually stereotypes are used because thats what comes to mind.

Thinking about it and after hearing all the groups present, i thought, if someone were to write a poem like this describing Christianity, what would it be like?

Would it consist of good things? or bad things? I've heard many times, that our name as Christ followers and as "church" have been somewhat corrupted. People think the church is very strict and very condemning, exclusive and just not what it is supposed to be. I even remember inviting my friend to SNA one year, the outreach event at my fellowship and she immediately backed off saying "are you trying to convert me?". This is how we're represented as. And its completely wrong.

But the question is, how are YOU representing the church? Are you giving it a bad name? As Christians, we cannot be two faced. Saying we're Christians and then indulging in worldly things isn't representing Christ well.

I've heard from people that they feel more welcomed at school than church, and it breaks my heart to hear that, because we're supposed to be welcoming, not judging, but i think as Christians, especially after a while, we start to judge others because they we know the "rules" and the "standard", but many times we should be looking at ourselves, not others.

We need to represent Christ. We are the light of the world, for others to see. You cannot both be a follower of Christ and love the world. You have to pick one.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

Road to Calvary (VIII)

After Jesus' resurrection, he appeared to Mary, to his disciples, to everyone. Everyone saw his pierced hands and feet, the biggest proof of his return. To conclude this mini series, i decided on focusing on Jesus final moment on earth, before he was taken into heaven once and for all.

¹ In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach ² until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. ³ After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. ⁴ On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. ⁵ For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

⁶ Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

⁹ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

¹⁰ They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ¹¹“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:1-11

"wait for my gift" Jesus says (v.4). This gift is the holy spirit. It not only applies to the disciples but for you and me as well. When we have believed that Christ has taken our sin away, has risen and defeated the grave, the holy spirit comes into us. The spirit is a guide, that voice in your head when you're tempted, to keep you on track and from wavering in your faith.

We all know that Jesus is going to return for his second coming, and its going to be a great day when that happens, but no one knows when. It could be tomorrow, it could be in a few decades. Only the father knows, as Jesus tells (v.7). But while we wait, we will be witnesses and representatives. He's given us the role to share his life with others, not just with speech, but also by our actions and our entire lives. Note that he says Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. It has to get bigger, and wider. Not only reaching out to the people within arms reach, but as well as the people on the opposite ends of the earth. These were Christ's last words on earth.

Look to the sky. Thats what the disciples did (v.11). But they were told, that our God, Jesus Christ will rise into heaven, and will one day descend from heaven, bringing judgement and bringing joy. This is what brings us hope. Life is worth the living just because he lives. Its a good reminder. I think now whenever i look into the sky, it'll refuel me with hope, knowing he's coming back.

People have been waiting for centuries for Christ to come. And sometimes it seems hopeless because its been SO LONG. But i think thats the true test of faith. He has promised that he will return to rescue us from this deadly world, and bring us to a world of love and happiness. Do you have the faith to wait, knowing this is the Lord of Lords, King of Kings who will return?

¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

2 Peter 3:10

Let It Shine.

Have you ever went to a mountain and looked around or sat in the middle of the field at night?

It's all pitch dark.

The earth below looks like a glowing map. Street lamps mark out tiny dots and lines of light, with our car headlights zooming up and down. As you enter a city (on a plane) you can see all the streetlights, building lights, and bill boards all lit up. There are thousands and thousands of lights. Both bright and dim, blinking and steady.

In Matthew 5:14-16 it says:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

You are that city on a hill. that landmark in the darkness that no one can miss. You are the glow on the horizon. We should always be shining God's marvelous light to others. Old or young, male or female, Christian or non-Christian. It doesn't matter who. As long as the light is kept constant. It's something that no one can miss. We may stumble across some struggles or challenges but nothing is impossible through God. He's our strength. He's the one that keeps us going. Since he does all this why not share it to the world?

hidden away

God sees all. And although he has the power to see all, there are many things we still try to hide from him. Sins especially.

Like when Adam and Eve, after they ate the apple from the forbidden tree in the garden of Eden, they immediately tried to hide, cover themselves up for the sin they committed. I think i've realized this a lot too. Before sin, temptation looks so enticing and delicious, and you get closer and closer, and inch by inch it teases you to fall in, and after you taste it, a lick, a drop, or a bite, you immediately see. Like Adam and Eve, their eyes TRULY opened, and i feel like the same happens. Your eyes open and you truly see how disgusting and filthy you are from stepping into the sin. Immediately you want to hide it, pretend like it never happened. But the truth is, God knows, and he sees it.

The thing we need to do is admit, confess, and repent. Ecclesiastes 12:14 says,

¹⁴ For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

God will bring everything you do into the light. And you will be judged for it. BUT if you do confess and be honest to God about it, he will be forgiving and will give you another chance.

Are you still hiding your sins? Whats stopping you from bringing it into the light?

Go Here.

Psalm 25:4-10

⁴ Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
⁵ Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
⁶ Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
⁷ Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, LORD, are good.

⁸ Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
⁹ He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
¹⁰ All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

God never fails to lead you in the path of righteousness. He's the way, the truth, and the light. We often stray away from God and no realize until afterwards. I, personally, have gone astray and i regret it. I didn't realize that i've gone so far and i was ashamed afterwards. Once i finished talking to my counselors i realized that God is a forgiving God and he loves us very much. He is our comforter and our shield. Our way to Heaven. He's always there no matter where you go.

Luke 16:1-13

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager

¹ Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. ² So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’

³ “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg— ⁴ I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’

⁵ “So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’

⁶ “‘Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied.

“The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’

⁷ “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’

“‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied.

“He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’

⁸ “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. ⁹ I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

¹⁰ “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. ¹¹ So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? ¹² And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

¹³ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Going through this, i've read it a few times, trying to fully understand it. Here's what im getting out of it.

To summarize, basically, a "master" has caught his servant (manager) abusing his position, by "wasting his possessions". After being kicked off and fired, he needed to reassemble his life. He decided to call those who are in debt with his master. By telling those in debt that they now owe a smaller amount, i assume that he helped pay his master back.

A few things that stuck out:

- v.3: "im ASHAMED to beg" - when i read this, i immediately thought of pride. That clearly this manager cared about his status and didnt want to lower himself.

- v.8: "the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light." - shrewd meaning clever. The world is full of pride, and we all tend to be selfish and want the most for ourselves, and we'll use any sneaky tactic to boost ourselves up. Where as Christians, the people of the light are less selfish, are able to put others before themselves.

- v. 13: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” - two masters. I guess this echoes the message at retreat, and that verse that has been on my mind lately. That the cost of discipleship is EVERYTHING. I personally know that there are parts of me that is still holding onto different sins and im just not willing/ready to let go yet. We have to learn to fully commit and devote ourselves to our relationship with Christ and not let anything get in the way between that.

Today "living as people of light" just stuck out to me. And its interesting to see it hinted at too in verse 8. I really think we need to continue to grow and live as reflections of Christ. Of his love, grace, and mercy. We cant be flashing lights, sometimes on, sometimes off, we have to be strong radiating lights to the world, to those around us. And we must set an example as representatives of Christ. Its difficult to follow through, but we have to try.

A Light Has Dawned.

Think about how you've struggled through something really bad. Like a darkness in your life.
Christ is the center of our lives. He is the LIGHT of this world. While you were struggling through this dark time in your life have you ever thought of how God is the light in it?

Personally, when i struggle through a difficult time i block God out and talk to friends. It is pretty bad but i think that i do this because i need someone to talk to (that will respond quickly). I find myself ignoring God when I'm going through these difficult moments.

Today i learned that God is always here for you. We often have friends who say don't worry I'll always be here for you. Some are faithful and they do mean it but others, just say it for encouragement. I had this one friend who said those words to me. 10 months later it was all gone. I didn't feel any support or trust in the relationship anymore. From then on i learned that we should stay true to our words.

When we say we're Christian we should act upon it and not be ashamed. God is the light in our lives. Although he puts us into tough situations, he wants us to look up and let him guide the way. We must fully rely on him.

Shine.

Imagine yourself standing on the side of a window and watching the sunset.
As you watch the sun it starts to fade.

The light from the is like God that's inside of you.
Are you someone who's ashamed of your faith? Do you only show God's light at church then let it fade and push it a side at school?

We should always be shining God's light. If someone looked at us from afar they'll probably think that you're just another person. As children of God we have to shine and show others God's word. Jesus looked like a normal guy. His surface reflected the surroundings. He blended in. But in Matthew 17:1-2 he showed his friends the light inside. He went full out.

We have to be like Jesus and always be shining our light to our friends, family, relatives, etc.

Because He First..

Because He First Loved.

Because He First Forgave.

Because He First Shined.

Im reading this eBook by John Piper called "Exposing The Dark Work of Abortion", and i've only read the intro, but this one thing stuck out to me, which i think, like everything else i've been writing about, is a great reminder.

We follow Christ and we do what we do because he did it first.

To sum up what he wrote, he went through 4 passages:

IT DOES NOT SAY: "We dont forgive because then we will earn forgiveness from Christ." (Eph 4:32)

- we forgive because we have already been forgiven.

IT DOES NOT SAY: "We dont imitate Christ to then be adopted." (Eph 5:1)

- the verse says as LOVED CHILDREN, we dont need to do something to be his child because we already are.

IT DOES NOT SAY: Walk in love so that Christ will start loving us and give himself up for us."(Eph 5:2)

- Its Christ loved us and gave himself for us, and THAT is why we walk in love.

IT DOES NOT SAY: Be light of the world so that you can become children of light" (Eph 5:8)

- we are already children of light, so continue to radiate his love and life.

"Forgive-out of your forgiveness. Love-out of your being loved. Shine-with the light that Christ is in you." - John Piper

Starting 2012's Walk: In Love.

Lets start this devo thing. Or else ima forget about it and who knows where that'll lead us.

I was kinda unsure of what to do today, but i opened my ESV bible app and i was on Ephesians 5. Walking In Love. Here's what it says.

¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^{[a] 6} Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷ Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

ephesians5:1-20

Walking in love. This is how we should be walking in 2012, and we can use it as a guideline to keeping on track with God and staying right with God. Lets just dissect the passage.

v1. be imitators of God. Something extremely important here is the fact that we cannot be imitators of God... if we dont know who God is or what he did, and there's only ONE place where you can find that, in the bible. So in other words, study his Word. I've been reading a book; "You Can Change" by Tim Chester. Here's a quick quote. "Our job is to study the glory of God revealed in the life and death of Jesus. We're to study his character, learn his role, and understand his motivation, so that in every situation we can improvise the part. We'll face situations that Jesus never faced. But if we understand his character well enough, we'll be able to improvise. We'll be a good Jesus." By studying the Lord, we'll know how to act and we'll learn to naturally live it out.

v4. no foolish talk, but let there be thanksgiving. Our mouths are strong and powerful. They can either be a weapon, used for deceit and destruction, or as a tool, used for thanksgiving and encouragement. Like it says in the verse, let there be thanksgiving. But think about it, why would you talk foolishly, and hurt others with your mouth. What good does it do you? Why not instead, praise God, thank God, thank others, and support others. We have to learn to control our mouths in 2012. Things you say can NEVER be taken back, so watch what you say.

v8. walk as children of light. Light, the properties of light are that the light waves move in all directions and it never stops. They can reflect, refract, diffract, and bend. Thats how we should be. As children of LIGHT, we radiate, our World and society today is black, is dark, filled with chaos, sin and evil and we are the little specks of light that are used by God to brighten up the lives of others. Through our actions, and through our words, God's name is glorified. This brings up and issue that i have problems with. I've learnt (from that book again) that we are representatives of God. It pains me to see people that say they are Christ followers, but then decide to radiate something else. If we represent God, let us represent in UNITY. By radiating something different, people change their thoughts about who we are, as a WHOLE. Think about how your actions affect others. Im not saying i radiate pure light and pure holiness, but at least learn to work at it.

v15. look carefully then how you walk. Kinda just adding on to what i said before. But as the new year starts, take some time to reflect on your past and how you've been walking. Are you radiating God's love? or are you showing something else?

v20-12. giving thanks always to God the Father and submitting to one another. Be thankful. Sometimes i wake up and realize how great God is to me. Count your blessings. The fact that you can read this blog post means your already blessed. That means you have internet, while means you have a computer if not a mobile device, which means you have electricity, probably a house, and depending on where you live your own room, a car, a job or a school. Think about how much God has blessed you with and think about how you can pour some of that blessing into other people. Submitting to other people. I've learnt that support and accountability is amazing and important in one's life. Life is a long hard journey. Being a Christian is not an easy life as some may think. But God fills our live with obstacles and struggles so we can grow in our faith and learn to trust in our almighty God when we're failing. But also, build a community where you have people to reach out to and ya'll can push each other up when you're falling. You are running a race alone, but you can have many many many people cheering you on from the sidelines.

That mustve been a long post. But think about it. How are you going to walk this upcoming year in 2012. In love? or Out of love?

cheers to the new year!

Jason